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Our people

Curious, committed and collaborative

Kati Rahnel, Business Director, Ruukki Baltics

Kati Rahnel joined Ruukki in 2022 as Plant Manager in Pärnu, Estonia. Two and a half years later, she took on first a wider role as Business Director for Roofing Baltics and half a year later, as Business Director of Ruukki Baltics. “My job is to ensure profitable business growth in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, in line with Ruukki’s strategic targets. I work closely with our teams in all three countries, because collaboration is the only way to succeed in a region like ours. We’re small markets, and that means we have to be smart, efficient, and united,” she says.

Kati is currently leading the “Growth Compass” initiative with the aim of  developing customer-oriented service concepts in the Baltic region. “We’re creating joint growth models and sharing ideas across markets. I love this kind of teamwork,” she adds.

Kati’s passion for development isn’t limited to the workplace. In her free time, she’s a sailing enthusiast and an active volunteer at Pärnu Yacht Club. “I support young sailors and help raise funds so more children can enjoy the sport. It’s rewarding to give back to the community.”

What motivates her at Ruukki? “It’s the people. And the fact that no two days are the same. The world is changing fast and that drives constant learning and development. It never gets boring.”

To Kati, Ruukki’s promise of “Building your tomorrow” means listening to customers and improving accordingly. “It’s about creating more sustainable, long-lasting solutions. I like to think of a future building as something you can assemble now and reuse later—something truly circular.”

Practical, passionate and proud of teamwork

Lars-Göran Kristiansson, Plant Manager and Supply Chain Manager, Anderslöv

Lars-Göran Kristiansson knows the Anderslöv factory like few others—because he’s been part of its journey since 1984. “The factory has had many names over the years, but the spirit has always remained the same,” he says. Today, he holds a dual role as Plant Manager and Supply Chain Manager at the site.

With over four decades of hands-on experience, Lars-Göran brings deep technical know-how and a practical mindset to everything he does. “I’m passionate about technology—both in my work and personal life. I enjoy projects where I can build, improve and innovate.”

One project he’s particularly proud of is the installation of the LBS production line. “Instead of purchasing a brand-new line, we built it ourselves using mostly second-hand and custom-made equipment. It’s now one of Ruukki’s fastest and best-performing lines—and we stayed on time and on budget.”

Now, his focus is on preparing the Anderslöv operations for the future. “We have a generational shift coming in the next 3–5 years. My job is to make sure the organization is ready—to build the next chapter together with the new generation.”

For Lars-Göran, the best part of his job is the strong team spirit. “There’s a real sense of commitment here. Everyone takes responsibility—and just as importantly, we know how to have fun at work too.”

When he’s not at the factory or with family, Lars-Göran enjoys working on his old house and practicing pistol target shooting. “It’s about focus and precision, which suits my personality quite well,” he smiles.

Safety is an important part of the daily work

Kinga Kubiatowicz, machine operator at the Oborniki plant in Poland

How can I and my team support the health and safety culture in my daily work?

In everyday work, team support is very important. Cooperation and good relationships improve our safety. More experienced colleagues always support and help new employees. With their help, younger employees acquire experience and feel comfortable, and thus increase their awareness of risks and potentially dangerous situations.

Kinga Kubiatowicz works as machine operator at the Oborniki plant in Poland. She is responsible for line programming in accordance with the customer specification received with the order drawing. Her job is also to control measurements and check product quality. Every working day Kinga’s work shift starts with a safety moment . 

“Safety is an important part of my daily work. I feel safe working at my workstation. Thanks to this, I am mentally comfortable and aware that when I start doing my job I do not risk my health. Moreover, after work I can return safely to my family.”

“We can further improve safety work by following the health and safety regulations and compliance. Responding to potentially dangerous situations and reporting them to our manager, observing each other and giving feedback. Each of us must ensure we spread the safety culture!”
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“I recently completed a first aid course organized by our company. I believe that kind of training is necessary to be able to learn how to react and manage stress when injured people require our help. I am glad that I took part in this training. I feel more confident and my team is safer working with me.” says Kinga.